St. Patty's Day Tricks and Treats

We started our St. Patrick's day celebration making our "Leprechaun trap". With colored rainbows and gold nuggets we were sure to attract the little green guys.

Hyrum came home from preschool to find tiny green footprints leading to a special box. It was filled with a few rainbow treats (try to find an acceptable Leprechaun treat without milk in it!) and bubble swords.

It also contained a note from the Leprechaun himself:

You did not catch me, but I

caught your gold

To show my gratitude I am told

To leave behind treasures you will adore

I gave you some goodies and a little bit more

Drink the magic Leprechaun potion, but do not scream

Your mommie’s toes might turn green!

Here's the magic potion (green Crystal Light)

And here's my green toes.

I totally thought the kids would get a kick out of the little trick, but Hyrum was terrified to sobbing proportions. It took quite a bit of coaxing for him to understand it was a silly trick.

Here's Hyrum checking to see if his toes turned green.

After all that excitement we headed to the zoo.

I love taking advantage of this short time when my kids play along. Since my imagination is sad and shriveled, I'm so glad I can live through them.

Go Away, We're Hibernating

With the cold weather and extreme pregnancy woes, we quickly ran out of exciting activities to keep busy this winter.

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I vaguely remember my pre-pregnancy life: I remember cramming the kids' days with different experiences to help them learn and just plain have fun. I remember having fun creating outfits for me and the kids and really caring what I looked like. I remember exercising two hours a day and feeling energetic. I remember looking forward to rainy days for a lazy break filled with pjs, books, shows, and relaxing. I remember being super busy, but feeling like my kids were thriving.
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Nowadays just getting off the couch all day is a real challenge. Expecting a five and two year old to understand how I feel and that it's temporary is difficult. They've been much more clingy and emotional because they're confused and scared. I have the faith that the damage won't be permanent though.

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Here's some of our cold weather adventures:

Ivy decided to potty train herself. I guess she realized all those long days cooped up at home were the perfect opportunity for potty training. And she was right, she's done wonderfully.

During those first days of training the only way she could stay dry was complete nudity. We played plenty of naked board games that week.

Soon after, she graduated to big girl undies and proudly shows them to everyone.

LONG video game marathons were had.

Thanks to the Walkers for letting us borrow their Wii Games!

I had to share Ivy's cute sweater and leg warmers her Aunt Traci made. So cute!

It's amazing how many hours of entertainment a simple cardboard box with holes cut out can give a tired, sick mama. Thank you cardboard inventors!

Pj days mean no taming the crazy morning hair. This 'do is worthy of the hall of fame.

Another great entertainer is the remote controlled helicopter. The kids begged their dad as soon as he stepped in the door to play with it. They didn't even notice as I crept up the stairs to go to bed.

I'm so lucky to have a healthy family, amazing, supportive hubby, imaginative kids who find ways to have fun with little help from me, and lots of Disney movies to babysit them all.

Girl Name OVERLOAD

Naming a new little person is hard.

Revealing your name to strangers is an important moment. It sums up who you are in one word. Cutsie, fun, tough, beautiful, handsome, romantic, old school, trendy, traditional- it's hard not to judge someone on their name. One thing I've noticed is a confident person can really pull off a unique name. But, what if my children aren't confident? What if they're just weird and their name makes them weirder?

With all this in mind, we have a list of girl names we like. But we can't decide which one and don't know how to make the final cut.

Layla

Lainey

Leah

Paige

Cassidy

Violet

Vera

Lilly

Grace

Joslyn

Macie

Delia

Gloria

Noelle

Joy

Mara

Lena

Maya

Bailey

Lyla

This is the SHORT LIST. So... pretty much we're going to name her Girl or Kid until she's old enough to pick her own dang name.

Snowy Days

We had a CRAZY cold, snowy winter.

It was all fun and games until almost two weeks worth of school was canceled, roads were never plowed, and we were sick of being stuck inside!

We did have a blast making snow caves and snow men, I guess snow isn't THAT bad.

The first thing Ivy said after spotting our beautiful snowman: "Can I kick it?"

Yes, she appreciates great art.

My Guy

Nope, he's not perfect, but he's super close.

l

Bry and I recently celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary and his 28th birthday.

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We've been together long enough for some major fights, catastrophes, emergencies, meltdowns, sicknesses, deaths, and days where we couldn't stand to be in the same room. But miraculously he still comes home every day with excitement in his eyes- even though he's exhausted and our life is pretty dang boring. He's really something special and I'm a lucky girl.

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There's so little time he gets to spend with us, so he likes to leave notes before he leaves early in the morning to remind us of his love.

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Here's two examples of their hilarity:

(yes, he's going to kill me for sharing these)

"Roses R' Red

Violets R' Blue

I scream sad that I have to leave you.

But don't you fret,

I'll be right back.

Just as surely as cats are black."

l

"Of all the places on earth to go,

I would like to have you know,

there's no place I'd rather be

than, well, anywhere as long as my beautiful family is with me.

Which is why a sorrowful moment

I face each day, when 'goodbye' I have to say.

But what joy comes at the end of the day

when my angel children come running my way.

But that's not the crowning jewel,

you'd better sit on a stool.

For the greatest gift I was given

was my angel wife -Erin."

l

One thing we've discovered in our humble marriage: laughing together heals and strengthens. I'm so, so grateful to have a guy who will laugh with me, even when life is yucky.

Ivy June Turns Two

We had a sweet little family celebration for Ivy's 2nd Birthday.

We ventured to the mall for some dinner and Build-a-Bear bliss. I thought Ivy would totally love picking out her own little friend, but she was still a little too young to understand what was going on.

After the mall we came home for some cake and presents.

I attempted my first Ivy safe cake; (no eggs or milk) it tasted like bread with icing and sprinkles. So the kids loved it and Bry and I choked it down.

Ivy has brought a new dynamic to our family- mostly good and sometimes very... not good. She has a HUGE personality, I'll just put it that way.

Here's her top five phrases:

1. "HYWUM!!!!!" (ear-piercingly screamed)


2. "I can't have it? It has milk in it?" (She's getting used to the fact that almost everything everyone else is eating is off limits- yes, it's heartbreaking)


3. "Can I kick/bite/eat/break it?" (This girl has a giganto destroy impulse I have no idea how to handle. All of our books and toys are taped to unrecognizability.)


4. "I ready to be a good girl!" (I swear she spends half of her life on the naughty chair. For those two minutes she can be heard promising repentance. It takes her about one minute of freedom to find more trouble.)


5. "Mom! There's a ghost in my room." (Umm... I don't know where she got this one from. We spend a lot of time chasing ghosts out of rooms though.)

Even though she tends to complicate things a wee bit, we love her so dang much. She might be a little high maintenance, but she gives the best hugs and kisses we can't live without.

Winter in Utah

Another winter in beautiful Utah, another post with a million pictures!

I was whining and pinning to spend time with my family and Bry was stressed with finals and patients. We thought it was a brilliant plan to send me and the kids to Utah three weeks early, then Bry would meet us for another three weeks. Well, that was before the "morning sickness" that actually lasts ALL DAY LONG. I was pretty much ill and out-of-it the entire time, but thanks to help from my two awesome families, we all survived and even had some fun.

Here we are at Temple Square. It's a funny tradition. We all bundle up for the arctic expedition- which for some reason is the cruelest torture for little ones. We wade through millions of people, having to remind ourselves (while trying not to lose anyone in the group) to look up at the pretty twinkles. By this time, we can't feel our feet. But, as soon as we reach the nativity with the heavenly Tabernacle Choir carols, the Nativity narration, and the Prophet testifying of Christ as the snow gently falls, it all really feels worth the hassle. This is what traditions are all about right? They may be time consuming and annoying, but there's moments of magic, and that's what we remember in the long run anyway. I also love the hot chocolate and sweets waiting for me when we get home!

Here's the cute little puff balls ready for some winter fun.

We spent a super fun day at the Children's Museum. I wish I could live there- I'm not kidding.

My kids have so many Aunts and Uncles who love them so dang much. I hope they realize how lucky they are one day.

Our cute little Avery and Ivy.

Yeah! Daddy's here! Now the fun can REALLY begin. He helped Hyrum decorate a gingerbread masterpiece.

We all love Grandma Trump- our #1 blog fan.

Bry took the kids bowling. Hyrum not only won, but actually got a strike. Bry usually blows the competition out of the water, (yes, he really is an amazing bowler- I KNOW! What ISN'T he good at!) but he let Ivy take most of his turns. Everyone had lots of fun, and I got a great nap- perfect.

Hyrum and Bry spent a fun afternoon ice skating at Gallivan Plaza. Maybe he'll be able to let go of the railing and skate 10 inches next year.

ANOTHER birthday party for Hyrum at Arctic Circle on Christmas Eve. He's a little too used to special birthday treatment and can't understand why we don't celebrate his Birthday everyday. We love spending this time with the fam though.

On Christmas Eve at the Trump household you can count on a few things: delicious food, awesome presents, and plenty of laughter and mayhem. Yes, count them- 22 grand kids. AND 7 weren't there. It makes for a very non-boring Christmas Eve. Our little one will make the 30th grandchild.

I was so worried all Christmas Eve night. I couldn't sleep a wink.

I remember walking into the living room on Christmas morning with piles and piles of gifts under the tree and an amazing surprise from Santa- like a cool bike or CD player. It was always such an great moment and I couldn't wait to give that feeling to my kids.

Because of lack of funds, and the whole no room in the suitcase scenario, it was slim pickins. Not that our kids are deprived in ANY way (they have some grandparents who make sure they are very well provided for). It was just the scene didn't fit my memories.

As always, the kids loved it. Since we didn't have tons of gifts, I wrapped everything including the little candies and ornaments. The euphoria on Hyrum's face in the picture with the plastic fish says everything. I shouldn't have worried.

I did learn one very important lesson: don't EVER wake up Ivy. Even on Christmas morning she won't forgive you.

After presents we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at Scott and Sue's, then headed for the Hollingsheads. We had yet another amazing meal, present-opening party, and sledding extravaganza. It was truly one of the funnest Christmas holidays I can remember.

The grand finale of our trip was my dear little sis's wedding. She got hitched to a great guy. We are so happy for them. Amy was absolutely breathtaking, but also very practical. Their visionary photographer captured amazing pictures of them months before in beautiful weather. So instead of making us lug the kids in the freezing cold slush, we just took some quick pictures with the Temple attendees and headed to the warm condo- THANK YOU AMY! Many brides (including me) would think, "it's my day and everyone can suffer for it". Not Amy, if it's not needed, it's no big deal. She's so much better than me in so many ways.

The reception was a blast (especially because uncle Golden watched the kids and took Ivy home after she threw up- thank you, thank you, thank you). The food was awesome, the decorations were amazing, and visiting with family and friends was the best thing about the whole trip. Hyrum was adorable, as soon as he arrived he gave Ivy a tour "to teach her manners." He instructed her not to touch the candles, flowers, or food. And no running of course. They both were troopers. Hyrum spent all night at the bar asking for more hot chocolate and pineapple juice.

Even though I was pretty miserable, it was still a great trip. So many people stepped up and helped and I'm so grateful. I know I say this a lot, but I'm so grateful to have such an amazing family. Life would be very different and very lonely without them.

Oops...

I always wanted a surprise pregnancy. I just didn't ever think it would happen when I was incredibly happy not being pregnant.

Yes, I'm expecting. I'm 14 weeks, due July 15th. It is unknown if my heart medication is safe during pregnancy, so sadly, I can't take it anymore. My blood pressure has been pretty good though. AND I haven't fainted yet, which is a great achievement.

I'm trying not to panic about how in the world I can be a Mother to three kids, or where the baby is going to sleep in our tiny home, not to mention all the STUFF that comes with babies. I'm also trying not to panic about moving across the country with a baby (in a year and a half).

One thing I've learned is planning my future doesn't work. BUT having faith and gratitude with whatever comes my way does. I tell Hyrum all the time that whining doesn't help. I have to have the faith that Heavenly Father will not give me more than I can handle. I'm sure it will be difficult at times, but we'll survive and be stronger in the end.

I have never learned more about myself, life, and the true nature of God than during motherhood. I guess I have more to learn.

Leaves are Falling on the Ground

Fall is BY FAR my favorite season. No more heat and humidity. Crisp, clean air. Pumpkin pie.

I grew up on a property with gigantic trees. Every Autumn it was a huge task to keep the falling leaves in check. I'm sure my parents had a hard time getting me to help, but once I was outside, I was lovin' it. We'd gather huge piles and jump in them- or get thrown in. We'd give each other wheelbarrow rides (they're funner than you think- I promise). Even though it was chilly and wet, these are some of my favorite memories of childhood. There's something so magical about a family working together for a common cause. It ends up being super fun instead of tedious work.

This last November it was a beautiful day in Virginia. We were outside playing and I decided to get the rake out to see if the kids would enjoy playing in the leaves as much and I did.

Yep, they did!

Even though we only have one teeny-tiny tree- with very little leaf loss- it was still an awesome day. I guess it proves that with kids, just a little bit is enough. Sometimes I feel like I'm depriving them because we don't have tons of money, or a huge house or yard. But, they're happy- they don't know any better!

The Tilt Table Test

I've always known something was up, I just didn't know what. It started in Jr. High with the constant exhaustion and weird random fainting. We just figured I was a teenager with crazy hormones. It continued getting much worse around a certain time of the month in High School, but medicine seemed to clear up that problem. Sporadic fainting continued until college with some pretty embarrassing scenes of carnage. During pregnancy, the passing out and exhaustion was pretty scary, but it's never been more difficult to deal with until kids came along and I had little lives depending on me.


I've had COUNTLESS tests performed on my body from head to tummy, and every procedure pointed to a healthy young girl. One day I happened upon a show on The Discovery Channel called Mystery Diagnosis. This particular episode depicted a woman with exactly the same symptoms as I had, I couldn't believe it. It tells how her problems were lifelong, until she received a Tilt Table Test and she found her out her mystery diagnosis.


After finding a Cardiologist in my area, and more preliminary tests, of course, I was ready for my miracle test. I didn't really understand the complexity of this particular examination, so I just walked into the hospital all by my myself thinking it'd take an hour or so. I wondered why everyone kept making a big deal that I didn't bring anyone to drive me home. After they made me de-robe and they administered an IV, heart monitors, and oxygen test thingies, I started taking it more seriously.


The test was super simple. I was strapped to a table which they raised 75 degrees (pretty much a standing position). Then everyone went into a little room separated by a glass window to chat and talk on the phone while I just stood there bored out of my mind with no music to listen to or books to read. I was about to say, "Okay! Nothing's going to happen! I know you're going to tell me everything's normal and perfect!" When I started feeling nauseous. Next thing I know, I'm lying flat and everyone's bustling about me asking if I'm okay. Yes, I fainted. It took me 17 minutes of standing to faint. My doctor's words were (in a strong Indian accent), "We know what is wrong, we will fix it, everything will be okay!" I could have kissed him right there, but I was trying not to vomit.

As I look back on that crazy day I can't help but laugh. I walked in looking healthy and happy, joking with the nurses and staff. I think they were convinced nothing was wrong with me, because after I fainted they kept repeating questions they previously asked like, "How long has this been going on?" or "How often do you faint?" with bewildered expressions. Apparently most people need medicine in order to induce fainting during the test. I don't need any assistance to faint, thank you very much.


It was a crazy day, I woke up a semi-healthy person with mysterious symptoms and went to bed a person with a life-long disease and medication to go with it. I officially have Cardiocirculatory Syncope (which pretty much means my heart slows down and I faint). We still don't know exactly why my heart decides to slow down, but at least we understand more than we ever have. I take a vaso-constrictor (which raises my blood-pressure) three times a day, drink eight ounces of water every hour, and wear tight socks up to my knees. So far I've felt much, much better.

I can't help but wonder what my life would have been like if I'd taken the Tilt Test sooner, but then I remember even the yucky days lead me to an AMAZING man who is the best husband for my sickly needs, and the most darling kids who make it a joy to get out of bed even if it's agonizing.